The Santa Cruz City Youth Soccer Club is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization that organizes a recreational youth league, competitive youth teams, advanced player training programs including futsal, 4v4, striker and goalkeeper training, summer camps and more. Established in 1982, the club serves the city of Santa Cruz, Bonny Doon, Davenport, and Happy Valley.

Recreational

Santa Cruz City YSC runs a large Fall season Recreational League of over 1200 players, with age divisions of Under-6 (ages 4 & 5), U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, & U19.

Practice begins in late August to early September, with ten games played on Saturdays between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Teams usually practice twice a week at a neighborhood field, at a time set by the coach. Registration begins the preceding April - check the website for walk-in or mail-in instructions. Teams fill up so register early to ensure a space for your child. The club depends on parents and other adults to volunteer as coaches - contact the Recreational Coach Coordinator if you are interested.

Competitive

Over 200 players participate in the club's competitive soccer program. Competitive teams are for boys and girls ages 8 to 18 who show interest and ability to train and play with similarly advanced players. The players enjoy a longer training season and may play as much as three times the number of games as recreational league teams. Some of the competitive teams play in the Spring League as well as in the Fall.

Advanced Training

The club offers advanced player training programs that utilize different formats than the youth Fall League teams. The focus of the advanced training programs is the soccer player's individual development.

Spring 4v4

Spring 4v4 is geared towards motivated/advanced players, using a fast-paced, high-touch environment to further increase their game time thought process and touch. Small-sided 4v4 games are the preferred developmental format of youth coaches worldwide. To participate, players must have some understanding of the game of soccer.

Winter Futsal

During winter, in the period between the Fall league and Spring league (competitive teams) or Spring 4v4 (all advanced players), the Santa Cruz City YSC sponsors weekly futsal pickup games indoors. The games are perfect for developing ball-control, precision passing, and fast decision making.

Fall Striker/Goalkeeper Training

During the Fall season Santa Cruz City YSC holds free drop-in Striker & Goalkeeper training for boys and girls who play on one of the club's teams.

Summer Camps

The Santa Cruz City YSC sponsors summer camps for recreational and advanced players as well as for the competitive teams.

Sponsors and Donations

In order to keep player fees low, the club has always depended on parent and business sponsorships of its teams and financial aid fund. Please see our Sponsors page for details on how you can help.

Governance

The Santa Cruz City YSC is governed by its Board of Directors in accordance with its bylaws. Directors are elected by the current Board of Directors members, or at the Annual General Meeting (held during the Coaches and Sponsors Appreciation Dinner, at the end of the Fall season) in which all coaches are members.

The Board of Directors usually meets on the third Tuesday of each month.

Referees

The Santa Cruz County Youth Soccer League (SCCYSL) runs clinics for new referees. Becoming a Referee provides a great opportunity to support youth sports, a place to share your passion for soccer and a way to earn money while doing so! Clinic Information is periodically posted on the Recreational League page under Volunteering.